Popular beach town reveals multi-million pound plans to save lido attraction
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WORTHING Lido is one step closer to being restored to its former glory as a prime beach attraction.
After years of the former lido being turned into an arcade and cafe area, there's now a plan in place to save the 100-year-old building - and return it to its former glory as a seafront pool.
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Worthing Lido hasn't had a pool since the late 1980s
Credit: Alamy
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Now it's home to arcade games and a cafe
Credit: Alamy
After nearly 500 people signed a petition calling to restore and protect Worthing Lido, MPs are taking action.
While the Worthing Seafront Investment Plan, released in 2022, revealed plans to restore the pool, little has been done since then.
So two local MPs are now trying to find several million pounds worth of investment to save the Grade II listed lido in Worthing.
According to the council: "The ambition for the Lido is focused on reinstating its swimming pool.
"The opportunity exists for the Lido to be a year-round attraction that will be protected from the seafront, whilst also creating a seamless experience between the pool and seaside by opening up the building's façade and exterior."
Worthing Council is hoping to emulate the success of similar renovated lidos elsewhere in the UK, like the Grange Lido in Morecambe Bay that recently underwent a £6.8million restoration.
The salt-water lido overlooking Lakeland Fells has been closed since 1993 with plans to refurbish it with £6.8million worth of funding starting in April 2023.
Similarly, the Victorian Bristol Lido was upgraded in 2008 and reopened with spa treatment, restaurant and even a poolside bar.
Other potential renovations to Worthing seafront were for a new and upgraded promenade and the installation of new beach huts.
Other details included the "creation of a Worthing Lagoon to enhance the growing water sports industry and provide a new attraction."
New £4million lido to open in UK next year
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The lido was originally built as a bandstand in the 1920s
Credit: Alamy
The lido on Worthing Beach was originally built as a bandstand in 1925, and was later converted into a swimming pool in 1957.
In 1988, Worthing Lido was even used as a temporary home to dolphins from Brighton Sealife Centre.
The dolphins were relocated to the lido while their permanent enclosure at the Sealife Centre was undergoing renovations.
It's now referred to as a "pool" because the swimming pool element was decommissioned in 1989.
A concrete slab was placed over it, and it's now home to a cafe, arcade, and is used as an event space.
But some recent visitors described the lido's arcade as being "very run down", with calls for it to be restored to its "former glory."
As reported by Sussex World,, Dr Beccy Cooper, MP for Worthing West, and Tom Rutland, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, are working with experts on regeneration to investigate options for the council-owned structure.
Previously, two comprehensive Levelling Up Fund bids by the council had failed.
But there are other funding options to explore, like The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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The Worthing Lido sits right on the beach front
Credit: Alamy
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The Worthing Lido could be saved - but needs lots of investment
Credit: Alamy
The petition, which was started by resident Elaine Deed, said it was "distressing to witness the sad state of Worthing Lido".
She added: "Our beloved lido, once a symbol of local heritage, now stands in disrepair, marked by graffiti and perilously close to falling into the sea.
"The Worthing Lido is more than a structure; it's an embodiment of Worthing's rich cultural history and cherished memories, enjoyed in the past by locals and visitors."
Plus, the abandoned 100-year-old lido that wants to reopen in one of the UK's best beach towns.
And the UK's little-known lidos to visit ahead of 29C weather – with no queues and some are even free to enter.
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